😢 Goodbye, Transformations Community
Two years ago, I found myself at a major crossroads. Having just left my first full-time role as a web developer, I returned to CU Boulder to pursue a masters in product design. My decision was driven by a desire to explore a path I had never allowed myself to consider and did not know much about. Many mentors advised that I follow the work, which I quickly learned meant embracing opportunities even when the destination is unclear.
I secured a position at The Transformations Community, an academic non-profit gearing up for their pivotal 2024 Conference. As a novice in design, tasked with website maintenance, I initially approached problems through the practical lens of a developer rather than the creative eye of a designer. This period was marked by a considerable amount of self-doubt. Thoughts like, "why would anyone listen to you?" an “IMPOSTER!” frequently echoed in my mind. However, working in an environment that prioritized my professional development helped me realize the value of my unique perspective.
As I integrated more of my coursework learnings into my role, I began to redefine my understanding of design. It wasn't just about adhering to aesthetic standards or creating visually appealing mockups—it was about problem-solving and strategic thinking. I developed design systems and utilized my coding skills to gather data and measure the impact of our design changes. This practical approach taught me that effective design often requires compromises, especially when resources are limited.
After a year, my role expanded towards designing and developing internal tools such as data pipelines, a custom project management hub, and a scalable CRM system. I learned that tailoring these tools to meet the specific needs of an organization was crucial to the success of a tool. This process involved deep dives into the workflows, priorities, and the diverse backgrounds of team members. Designing with the notion that all the users create one cohesive unit was a challenge that I had not experienced in my grad studies. I was not just creating tools for individuals; I was enhancing the operational efficiency of a unit with many individuals and addressing challenges faced in the corporate world.
Throughout my tenure, I gained the ability to defend design choices and saw the many ways design and technology can enhance experiences. This collaborative process not only enriched our projects but also solidified my role as a key contributor to the organization.
Today marks my last day at The Transformations Community. It's a bittersweet moment as I reflect on my beginnings as an inexperienced designer who has grown into a competent and confident professional. The journey has been transformative, as I (somehow) contributed to elevating the design maturity of the organization. Most importantly, I have created connections with others outside of my background that has created a greater world view that I can bring into my work as a designer.
As I step into the next chapter of my career, I carry with me the lessons learned and the relationships built at The Transformations Community. I am immensely grateful for the mentorship and encouragement from colleagues who invested not only in the organization's mission but in my personal and professional growth. My experience is a testament to the power of following the work, even when the path is not clear.
See more of my design work here.
